News Release
First Recipient of Performing Arts Scholarship Named
October 9, 2007
Council of the Arts Fredericton today announced that the first recipient of its newly created scholarship for studies in the performing arts is Taylor White of Fredericton. The award is valued at $5000.
The 22-year-old baritone is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in opera performance at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University in Montreal. He received his Bachelor of Music (cum laude) in vocal performance earlier this year from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinatti, Cincinatti, Ohio.
While growing up in Fredericton, Mr. White studied voice with Judy McKendy, Mabel Doak and Wendy Nielsen and appeared in productions presented by Dance Fredericton, Theatre New Brunswick Academy, Fredericton Musical Theatre Company and Fredericton Gilbert & Sullivan Society. At the University of Cincinatti, he performed in 12 fully staged operas from various time periods, singing in several languages and in roles ranging from chorister to lead performer. He also worked as a choreographer in three of the operas.
In addition, Mr. White has attended the Opera Workshop in St. Andrews for three years and appeared in several professional engagements including Symphony New Brunswick's Celebration Concert Akademikonzerte and in the role of Cesare Angelotti in Opera New Brunswick's Tosca.
In making the announcement, Jayne Nicki, Chair of Council of the Arts Fredericton, expressed the Council's pleasure concerning both the quantity and quality of applications received. "Fredericton is fortunate to have so many talented students," she said. "We are delighted to recognize the skills and achievements of Taylor White and look forward to seeing more from this promising young artist."
Council of the Arts Fredericton presented quality performances to Fredericton audiences from 1978 until 2006 through its ONSTAGE and KIDSTAGE programs and encouraged young people in their study of the performing arts through awards and scholarships. The Performing Arts Scholarship was created in June 2007 and is managed through a designated fund agreement with the Fredericton Community Foundation.
Information on the Performing Arts Scholarship is available through the Fredericton Community Foundation at www.fredfdn.ca .